Improper Vaccine Storage at Clinics Throughout the Country May Put Children at Risk for Dangerous Diseases

A stunning new study released today raises questions about a government program that provides vaccines to low-income children. Federal investigators say that a large majority of providers are not storing the vaccines properly, potentially placing children at risk for contracting and spreading dangerous diseases.

Trace Gallagher said that through the program, Medicare and Medicaid pay for the vaccines and then the Centers for Disease Control distributes them to 44,000 different doctor’s offices and clinics across the country. Health and Human Services sent inspectors to 45 vaccine providers in five different states. Of those 45 providers, 76 percent stored the vaccines at inappropriate temperatures.

The CDC issued a statement saying, “Parents need to know that they do not have to get their child revaccinated. The most important thing they need to do is to make sure their child’s vaccines are up to date.”